Heritage Railway operating since 1878

In 1878, construction of the Port Augusta and Government Gums (now known as Farina, which is north of the Flinders Ranges) Railway commenced. The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs (771 miles or 1241 km) in 1929 establishing an important rail link to Central Australia. The famous Ghan passenger train travelled this way from 1923 to 1956, and on the northern part of this route until 1980.

You can enjoy a full-day or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway.

Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by. All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Since 1973, volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society continue to proudly restore and run the railway.

We operate on selected dates from March to November each year. Check our timetable, then book online or phone 1800 PR RAIL (1800 77 7245).

Lonely Planet named South Australia in the Top 10 regions to visit globally in 2017.

Pichi Richi Railway a finalist in 2019 South Australian Tourism Awards

Exciting news! Pichi Richi Railway was thrilled to be a finalist in the 2019 South Australian Tourism Awards. This is a huge achievement for our tireless and dedicated volunteers, supporters and passengers who for 45 years have kept us steaming through the Flinders Ranges. We look forward to standing alongside many other worthy South Australian businesses on 8 November when the winners are announced.

Passing of Tim Fischer AC, Patron of Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society

Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society Inc. (PRRPS) gratefully acknowledges the immense contribution of its Patron, the Hon Tim Fischer AC, to the Pichi Richi Railway, railway history and heritage, the rail transport industry and the Australian community.

Tim Fischer was a strong advocate for the Pichi Richi Railway, and a great champion of rail and of rural Australia.

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Michael Portillo's Great Australian Railway Journeys to feature Pichi Richi Railway

Michael Portillo, the renowned train enthusiast visited Quorn and travelled on the Pichi Richi Railway, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific recently.  His 6-part series will go to air on SBS Australia.  We are eagerly awaiting scheduling advice from the producer, and will advise Australian screening dates ASAP.  The episode featuring PRR will premiere on BBC2 in the UK at 8:00 PM on Saturday 26 October 2019.

Stay tuned!